Turning Back The Years

I’m all for throwing out the rulebook and giving Inspiration and Intuition room to manoeuvre, but never the book that became women’s gospel when it was published in 1861 (that would be sacrilege.) Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management is the original guide to being a Domestic Goddess (though we all love Nigella’s delectable dedication to all things sweet.) Amazing to think Mrs B. was only 23 when she began to write her tome - at that age, I clearly had different priorities…

Her phrases are well worn: ‘A place for everything, and everything in its place.’

And nearly 150 years later she can still pinpoint the weaknesses of a modern day urban hostess like myself:

‘Hospitality is a most excellent virtue; but care must be taken that the love of company, for its own sake, does not become a prevailing passion…’

Too much late night entertaining and I might get slack on the household duties (not to mention the running of a business…) So I take note, and curb my hospitality to a healthy once per week.

I wasn’t sure Mrs B. exerted much influence any more, until I visited a University friend’s family for the weekend several years ago. After dinner (which, naturally, was black tie) the men and women separated into different rooms…

’When fruit has been taken, the ladies must leave the gentlemen and retire to the drawing room. The gentlemen of the party will rise at the same time, all remaining courteously standing until the last lady has withdrawn.’

Then the men swilled port, smoked cigars and talked about…what? Not a clue. I can only speculate on what took place in the chintzy drawing room: gentle chatter, miniature cups of coffee and the hostess actually picked up her needlepoint (I’ve never sat with such a straight back on such a poufy sofa – and it is not to be recommended..)

Mrs Beeton also started a magazine called ‘The Queen’ which grew to become the prestigious ‘Harpers & Queen’ we all admire today.  Back then it was ‘aimed at those people who naturally attended Court functions, and those who would love to have been invited’... so little has changed, including Beeton’s legendary status.

Her commandments remain very much alive and well in many corners of the country, but I personally have to admit that when J and I entertain, we do not employ staff to polish our cutlery and set them on a tablecloth ‘laid without a wrinkle’.

Nevertheless, we can but dream.  And with Mrs Beeton in mind, we’ve created a beautiful new range of placemats with images of gleaming antique cutlery complete with devilish edges.  Each one imbued with the style and elegance of an era that’s passed, but not forgotten.

The Beeton Collection - click here to buy

Scarlett Willow